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Computer Operator II Salary in the United States

How much does a Computer Operator II make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Operator II in the United States is $61,357 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a Computer Operator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $79,522
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,666 to $70,865
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,664
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Computer Operator II Salaries

A Computer Operator II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Computer Operator II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Operator II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Computer Operator I (0-1 years): $48,938
  • Computer Operator II (1-3 years): $61,357
  • Computer Operator III (3-5 years): $68,067
  • Computer Operations Shift Supervisor (5+ years): $91,655
  • Computer Operations Supervisor (5+ years): $109,435
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Computer Operator I0-1 years$48,938
Computer Operator II1-3 years$61,357
Computer Operator III3-5 years$68,067
Computer Operations Shift Supervisor5+ years$91,655
Computer Operations Supervisor5+ years$109,435
View as Graph

How Do Computer Operator IIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Computer Operator IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $67,934.
  • California: $67,677.
  • Massachusetts: $66,775.

Top Paying Cities for Computer Operator II

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $77,390
  • San Francisco: $76,542
  • Oakland: $74,929

What Skills Can Increase a Computer Operator II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 7.27% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • SOP (Mentioned in 3.39% Job Postings): SOP is A standard operating procedure is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 2.63% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 7.27%
SOP 3.39%
Computer Science 2.63%
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What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Computer Operator II's salary.

  • Logistics: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Computer Science: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Logistics $67,493
10%
Computer Science $66,266
8%
Consulting $65,652
7%
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Computer Operator II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Computer Operator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $68,686. While startup companies pay approximate $58,106.

Computer Operator II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $58,106
Growth Stage 51~500 $61,454
Established 501~5000 $66,328
Enterprise 5000+ $68,686

Computer Operator II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Operator II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Computer Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Operator II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Operator II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$70,561$34.015%
Energy & Utilities$70,561$34.015%
Financial Services$70,561$34.015%
Software & Networking$70,561$34.015%
Pharmaceuticals$69,947$34.014%

How Education impacts an Computer Operator II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Computer Operator II enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Computer Operator II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $56,128 and $59,806.

Computer Operator II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Computer Operator II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 4.1%
High School 31.7%
Associates 35.9%
Bachelors 25.5%
Masters 2.1%
Doctorate 0.7%
View as Graph

Computer Operator II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Computer Operator II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$53,666
Average $61,357/year
$70,865
$4,472
Average $5,113/month
$5,905
$1,032
Average $1,180/week
$1,363
$26
Average $29/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $70,865 $5,905 $1,363 $34
Average $61,357 $5,113 $1,180 $29
25th Percentile $53,666 $4,472 $1,032 $26

Computer Operator II Salary Growth & Career Path

Computer Operator II

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Advancement

For a Computer Operator II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Operator III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $68,067 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Computer Operator II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Computer Operator II

Here are companies hiring for Computer Operator II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Computer Operator II

1. Where can a Computer Operator II earn the most?

A Computer Operator II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Computer Operator II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Computer Operator II is $77,390.

2. What is the highest pay for Computer Operator II?

The highest pay for Computer Operator II is $79,522.

3. What is the lowest pay for Computer Operator II?

The lowest pay for Computer Operator II is $46,664.

4. What are the responsibilities of Computer Operator II?

Operates and monitors computer equipment. Uses established procedures to perform routine tasks to maintain required performance standards of computer equipment and its peripherals. Observes peripheral equipment and error messages displayed on the monitor of the terminal to identify faulty output or machine stoppage. May require an associate degree. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Computer Operator II?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Operator II roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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